Ok, let me clear something up right here and right now, straight from the horses mouth, I have not taken Mayor O'Neil to civil court and am not suing him. I will receive no money for any actions taken against Mayor O'Neil at any level of civil or criminal court.
I have taken to the Gonzales Police Department a 50+ page set of documents and filed a report. In it I outline several Felony and Misdemeanor offenses that I believe Mayor Bobby O'Neil has committed over the firing and subsequent actions ending in the signing a check in excess by over $20,000 to the terminated ex-City Manager David Huseman.
Mind you I can not press charges, that has to be the District Attorneys office. They have to take what I have given them, what the police subsequently collected and processed, and make a decision if any crimes have been committed. If they decide there have been, then they will press charges against Mayor Bobby O'Neil.
Problem is on March 18, 2011 Officer Taylor took the package to the District Attorneys office, got a signed receipt for delivery. Since last week and still as of today the District Attorneys Office has no clue what I'm talking about asking what the disposition of the filed report is. Officer Taylor has called up there, with the signed receipt and they just don't know what's happened to the package.
Isn't it interesting that again the District Attorneys office has not taken serious a report filed against Mayor O'Neil? Last time nothing happened, nothing happened, nothing happened, then our DA won't look into the voter fraud case because of "Political Pressure". That they believe there were issues with the election, but that they didn't have time to follow them up and prosecute. This time they've 'never heard of the report against Bobby O'Neil'. Really? Out of all the papers filed in the DAs office they conveniently lose the report on Mayor Bobby O'Neil? REALLY??? And I'm expected to believe this was just an accident?
If I hadn't called up there to find out where we were 6 weeks later it would of once again fallen through the cracks. Wouldn't the Mayor be happy about that? NOT GOING TO HAPPEN FOLKS! Mrs Miller I think you need to get your office in order! Remember you too are an elected official too!
And contrary to some belief I get NOTHING out of filing this report. I don't make a dime. I'm not running for mayor. I've not asked to be appointed to any city boards or committees. I haven't gotten Wahl Street fixed, nor the hump in the road in front of my house that causes my house to flood when it flash floods, (got the idea?). As a matter of fact, I've had people chastise me, call me names, insult me, make snide comments, stop speaking to me, threaten me, etc (I think you get the idea).
I would like to think that many of them are out of ignorance of the truth, and when the truth is physically laid out in front of them they would at least understand why this has to be done. I heard it said if we can't control what is going on in our own city, how do we ever have hope of controlling what goes on in Austin or Washington? I also believe if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything. I'm standing here, right now in this spot. The taxpayers of the City of Gonzales deserve retribution for the money that was illegally given to Mr. Huseman, and is owed accountability of it's elected officials, in this specific case, Mayor Bobby O'Neil.
So straight from the horses mouth, I'm not suing Mayor Bobby O'Neil for ANYTHING! I have filed a report with the City of Gonzales Police Department with 15 individual items where I believe Mayor Bobby O'Neil crossed the line of legality in his role as mayor our or town. The DA will eventually evaluate and either press charges or ignore my footwork.
Until then it's just a waiting game.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
PS, thanks for all the folks who kicked me in the butt for not having updated the blog lately. Please understand that between work, kids, scouts, and end of school I've been swamped and haven't had the spare time to follow up on several issues I'd like to. But this blog will continue and I'll get it back into the priority listing.
Showing posts with label mayor bobby o'neil. Show all posts
Showing posts with label mayor bobby o'neil. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Detente?
So once again a city council meeting came and went and again I spoke of workings of our city council and how they needed to be open and honest to the taxpaying citizens of Gonzales. Did it do any good? I doubt it.
Unfortunately I was not able to stay for all the budget meeting discussions because of prior commitment to Boy Scouts and the induction of 6 fine young boys into Boy Scouts from Webelos. These boys have worked hard to earn their place next to their older brothers and I needed to be a part of that day.
But I did swing by after the clean up to see if the budget meeting was still going on. It appeared that everyone was just getting out so I stopped to see what had happened. I understand there is a lot of work still to be done, but that the managers and the new interim city manager will be working on that today.
But as that was going on the mayor stepped out of the city building. As he was shaking someone else hand I reached out to shake his hand and he shook it and we started talking. Now I have to say that about this time I watched the faces of those around us. There was fear of lightening strikes. There was fear of instantaneous explosions. No one came close to the two of us. As a matter of fact I watched people, both supporters of the mayor, and those who don't support him, walk out of the city building and walk as far away from the two of us standing there as possible. As for the lightening or explosions, it just didn't happen.
The mayor told me that I was right that the citizens of Gonzales did deserve some answers to some questions and that Jackie (city attorney) was working on getting those answers. I in turn reminded the mayor that regardless of the intent, the appearance of secrecy creates and element of mistrust of our city government, and especially after the events of the last couple of years we (read 'the city') needs to go out of its way to be open and honest with the citizens to gain the respect and bring us back together. I reminded him that the voter fraud started a lot of the mistrust that is in this city, and that it will take a lot to get it back.
We agreed that the new interim city manager should be good for the city, and that our city is going to struggle with this years budget, that this is not the time for expansion of city projects when we have a million dollar deficit in the budget.
We spoke about the JB Wells, our downtown and some of the other issues that have come up over the last year to include Mr. Huseman.
I reminded the mayor of the time I invited him into my house and we sat around my dinner table as he met my wife. This was only 2 short elections ago. And that the disappointments I had in him we probably greater because of the support I had given him in the past.
Did we get anything accomplished? Probably not. But let me tell you what we did do, and what needs to be done throughout Gonzales right now. For those 20-30 minutes, we talked to each other. We listened to each other. We acknowledge that both of us have room to give, and neither of us are perfect, nor do either of us have all the answers. There was a moment of detente as we spoke. Neither of us raise our voices about a thing. Neither of us called the other a name. Neither of us said the other didn't know what they were talking about. Neither of us were trying to slam the other person.
I have said before and I'll say it again, there are some issues in this town that have polarized the citizens. JB Wells and Mr. Husemans firing are the biggest two, but think about the animal control issue. We have a historic homes issue before us now. And there are others.
I will be the first to admit I'm pretty black and white, not much gray in what I see. But I don't take it personally when someone disagrees with me.
Point and case, I work out most every weekday morning with a group of guys that disagreed with me over the Huseman issue. These are guys I respect but we disagree on this issue. I'm not going to not speak with them because of it. We are going to work together to make sure the next time something comes up we talk more and hash out things before hand. But we respect each other enough to not allow that to get into the way of the betterment of the city.
The mayor told me last night what is done is done, it's time to move on. I can't agree more. This city has to much work ahead of it to dwell on this issue or to let it tear us apart as a city. We're to small, to close, to much family to not move on.
So were any minds changed last night? Again probably not, but in that moment of detente we were at least talking and listening, somehow I think the entire city council needs the same detente, and honestly that a town hall meeting or two where we could get some of this in the open would be in order. Respectfully hearing it all, and respectfully considering what the other side has to say. Who knows, there might be some 3rd options that we can agree on when both sides are heard.
So what's next? I don't know, but I know that today we've got a start, a handshake, and a thought process started. I'd love to know what the mayor was thinking when he left our meeting, but I have to believe it was similar to what I was thinking.
We really do have one of the best little towns around. We have so much untapped potential, and so much room for positive growth. We right now have a great opportunity with the oil boom to help make some improvements in the next couple of years if we manage it all properly. Let's not waste these opportunities, and let's move forward in the most positive manner possible.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Unfortunately I was not able to stay for all the budget meeting discussions because of prior commitment to Boy Scouts and the induction of 6 fine young boys into Boy Scouts from Webelos. These boys have worked hard to earn their place next to their older brothers and I needed to be a part of that day.
But I did swing by after the clean up to see if the budget meeting was still going on. It appeared that everyone was just getting out so I stopped to see what had happened. I understand there is a lot of work still to be done, but that the managers and the new interim city manager will be working on that today.
But as that was going on the mayor stepped out of the city building. As he was shaking someone else hand I reached out to shake his hand and he shook it and we started talking. Now I have to say that about this time I watched the faces of those around us. There was fear of lightening strikes. There was fear of instantaneous explosions. No one came close to the two of us. As a matter of fact I watched people, both supporters of the mayor, and those who don't support him, walk out of the city building and walk as far away from the two of us standing there as possible. As for the lightening or explosions, it just didn't happen.
The mayor told me that I was right that the citizens of Gonzales did deserve some answers to some questions and that Jackie (city attorney) was working on getting those answers. I in turn reminded the mayor that regardless of the intent, the appearance of secrecy creates and element of mistrust of our city government, and especially after the events of the last couple of years we (read 'the city') needs to go out of its way to be open and honest with the citizens to gain the respect and bring us back together. I reminded him that the voter fraud started a lot of the mistrust that is in this city, and that it will take a lot to get it back.
We agreed that the new interim city manager should be good for the city, and that our city is going to struggle with this years budget, that this is not the time for expansion of city projects when we have a million dollar deficit in the budget.
We spoke about the JB Wells, our downtown and some of the other issues that have come up over the last year to include Mr. Huseman.
I reminded the mayor of the time I invited him into my house and we sat around my dinner table as he met my wife. This was only 2 short elections ago. And that the disappointments I had in him we probably greater because of the support I had given him in the past.
Did we get anything accomplished? Probably not. But let me tell you what we did do, and what needs to be done throughout Gonzales right now. For those 20-30 minutes, we talked to each other. We listened to each other. We acknowledge that both of us have room to give, and neither of us are perfect, nor do either of us have all the answers. There was a moment of detente as we spoke. Neither of us raise our voices about a thing. Neither of us called the other a name. Neither of us said the other didn't know what they were talking about. Neither of us were trying to slam the other person.
I have said before and I'll say it again, there are some issues in this town that have polarized the citizens. JB Wells and Mr. Husemans firing are the biggest two, but think about the animal control issue. We have a historic homes issue before us now. And there are others.
I will be the first to admit I'm pretty black and white, not much gray in what I see. But I don't take it personally when someone disagrees with me.
Point and case, I work out most every weekday morning with a group of guys that disagreed with me over the Huseman issue. These are guys I respect but we disagree on this issue. I'm not going to not speak with them because of it. We are going to work together to make sure the next time something comes up we talk more and hash out things before hand. But we respect each other enough to not allow that to get into the way of the betterment of the city.
The mayor told me last night what is done is done, it's time to move on. I can't agree more. This city has to much work ahead of it to dwell on this issue or to let it tear us apart as a city. We're to small, to close, to much family to not move on.
So were any minds changed last night? Again probably not, but in that moment of detente we were at least talking and listening, somehow I think the entire city council needs the same detente, and honestly that a town hall meeting or two where we could get some of this in the open would be in order. Respectfully hearing it all, and respectfully considering what the other side has to say. Who knows, there might be some 3rd options that we can agree on when both sides are heard.
So what's next? I don't know, but I know that today we've got a start, a handshake, and a thought process started. I'd love to know what the mayor was thinking when he left our meeting, but I have to believe it was similar to what I was thinking.
We really do have one of the best little towns around. We have so much untapped potential, and so much room for positive growth. We right now have a great opportunity with the oil boom to help make some improvements in the next couple of years if we manage it all properly. Let's not waste these opportunities, and let's move forward in the most positive manner possible.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Friday, February 4, 2011
Reply to letter from the Mayor
The Mayor posted a letter to the editor on 2/3/2011 on the Gonzales Cannons Website. I have the following answer in response to that letter:
Mr. Mayor,
With all due respect I hope you can look in the mirror and see yourself in so much of what you have written. You and your faction have control this city to a point that to quote Mr. Huseman, "there is no money."
Mr. Mayor, I posted on my website (www.90asign.com) in response to someones comment asking if you'd be willing to sit down with guys like me and instead of 'hiding behind fences' bring it up front and be transparent.(Note from Dennis, I moved that response to here instead of comments)
But Mr. Mayor, if you would, please answer a couple of questions that I have like who authorized Mr. Husemans final paycheck with his severance pay when the city council didn't direct it. Section 3.08 of the citys code of ordinances says no member of the council can direct any employee to do anything, they can only direct the city manager to do something, so who authorized the payment?
I would ask why Mr. Huseman was in his office today with you and our city police when Mr. Huseman is no longer an employee of the city.
I would ask why Mr. Huseman was given a step promotion pay raise, retroactive to 4/2010, when at a majority of the council didn't authorize that raise?
And that's the type of secrecy and lack of transparency in just 1 day Mr. Mayor that drives me and any person who cares about how this city operates nuts.
You see Mr. Mayor, I didn't profit a dime from anything that's happened. I haven't gotten any position of authority, haven't taken (and actually refused 2 request to take) a position on a city board, I haven't gotten my road fixed so water doesn't flood my house every time it flash floods, nor have I gotten Ft. Wahl street fixed where the vehicles my tax dollars pay for travel on a daily basis. I haven't gotten answers as to why the arena (another 'faction group') can't be run without loosing money, I haven't gotten answers as to when St. George is going to be finished, do I really need to go on?
So either I'm doing a piss poor job of running 'the city from behind their fences', or I'm just not going to take your silence as an answer that I will accept. I and every other taxpayer deserve honest and open government from our city.
So Mr. Mayor, are you ready to sit down and talk? I would love to talk, and lets come up with REAL solutions to the real problems in this town. Why don't we have business downtown? How can we get JB Wells at least to a break even so we can expand the park? How are we going to attract businesses to our fair city so that we have jobs for everyone here? What are we going to do for our younger generation so they have some reason to stay in this town and help it grow? What are we going to do/how are we going to afford our infrastructure from falling apart?
I'll meet you in any public forum to discuss these and any other pertinent issues of this town. I'm ready, but it has to be transparent, honest discussion, open to anyone that wants to attend. And please don't waste my time with words with no action.
So there it is Mayor, you want to accuse with words but no backing, I'm willing to put action to my words, what about you?
Dennis Nesser
A Concerned Citizen of this great city!
With all due respect I hope you can look in the mirror and see yourself in so much of what you have written. You and your faction have control this city to a point that to quote Mr. Huseman, "there is no money."
Mr. Mayor, I posted on my website (www.90asign.com) in response to someones comment asking if you'd be willing to sit down with guys like me and instead of 'hiding behind fences' bring it up front and be transparent.(Note from Dennis, I moved that response to here instead of comments)
But Mr. Mayor, if you would, please answer a couple of questions that I have like who authorized Mr. Husemans final paycheck with his severance pay when the city council didn't direct it. Section 3.08 of the citys code of ordinances says no member of the council can direct any employee to do anything, they can only direct the city manager to do something, so who authorized the payment?
I would ask why Mr. Huseman was in his office today with you and our city police when Mr. Huseman is no longer an employee of the city.
I would ask why Mr. Huseman was given a step promotion pay raise, retroactive to 4/2010, when at a majority of the council didn't authorize that raise?
And that's the type of secrecy and lack of transparency in just 1 day Mr. Mayor that drives me and any person who cares about how this city operates nuts.
You see Mr. Mayor, I didn't profit a dime from anything that's happened. I haven't gotten any position of authority, haven't taken (and actually refused 2 request to take) a position on a city board, I haven't gotten my road fixed so water doesn't flood my house every time it flash floods, nor have I gotten Ft. Wahl street fixed where the vehicles my tax dollars pay for travel on a daily basis. I haven't gotten answers as to why the arena (another 'faction group') can't be run without loosing money, I haven't gotten answers as to when St. George is going to be finished, do I really need to go on?
So either I'm doing a piss poor job of running 'the city from behind their fences', or I'm just not going to take your silence as an answer that I will accept. I and every other taxpayer deserve honest and open government from our city.
So Mr. Mayor, are you ready to sit down and talk? I would love to talk, and lets come up with REAL solutions to the real problems in this town. Why don't we have business downtown? How can we get JB Wells at least to a break even so we can expand the park? How are we going to attract businesses to our fair city so that we have jobs for everyone here? What are we going to do for our younger generation so they have some reason to stay in this town and help it grow? What are we going to do/how are we going to afford our infrastructure from falling apart?
I'll meet you in any public forum to discuss these and any other pertinent issues of this town. I'm ready, but it has to be transparent, honest discussion, open to anyone that wants to attend. And please don't waste my time with words with no action.
So there it is Mayor, you want to accuse with words but no backing, I'm willing to put action to my words, what about you?
Dennis Nesser
A Concerned Citizen of this great city!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Our Housing Board
So how is it that you become a member of a board in the city of Gonzales? Well if it's the Housing Board, the ONLY board appointed by the mayor himself and not the city council, a good way to get on would be to donate cash to the mayors campaign.
In April Mrs Kacir was accused of a conflict of interest in her workings with the GEDC and Normas House. Something that the Attorney Generals office reviewed at Mrs Kacirs request and said that it was all above board. But one of the loudest voices in the hollering should of been looking in the mirror, as she is the epitome of conflict of interest.
How is it that Mary Ann, one of if not the largest contributor to Mayor O'Neils campaign made her way onto one of these boards. And not just any board, but one of the most powerful in Gonzales, that being the Housing Board.
And how is it that this is the only board that the Mayor is solely responsible for appointing all members of? SECTION 3.07 POWERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the Charter for the City of Gonzales states that "(f) Provide for such additional boards and commissions, not otherwise provided for in this charter, as may be deemed necessary, and appoint the members of all such boards and commissions. Such boards and commissions shall have all powers and duties now or hereafter conferred and created by this charter, by city ordinance or by law." It doesn't say that the Mayor has that right, but that the City Council does. So I'd sure like to hear from some legalese as to why and how Mayor O'Neil is doing this appointment without it going through the City Council.
I'd also like to know how there can NOT be a conflict of interest, or inappropriate activities of appointing a major contributor to your campaign to the Housing Commission? I'm at a loss here. Either the mayor considers us, the people of Gonzales stupid, or he just doesn't care any more. Either way isn't a pretty situation.
I'm so sick and tired of the "Good Ole Boys" just doing what ever they want without caring for the problems at hand. Let's scratch each others back is all I hear amongst the elite few as I've called them. What about the average tax paying citizen of Gonzales? What about the average Joe that goes out, makes a living, pays his property tax and his sales tax here locally? When are they going to be taken care of ? I'm not talking about special services or promotions, I'm talking about the city manager, mayor and council doing everything in their powers to make Gonzales the great place it can be! Not just for special interest individuals and groups. To run effectively so that the burden on the individual taxpayer and business that support this town are not burdened any more than necessary.
There is more to this story, and I'm verifying some facts, but I promise this is not the last you'll hear of the Housing Board and appointees.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
In April Mrs Kacir was accused of a conflict of interest in her workings with the GEDC and Normas House. Something that the Attorney Generals office reviewed at Mrs Kacirs request and said that it was all above board. But one of the loudest voices in the hollering should of been looking in the mirror, as she is the epitome of conflict of interest.
How is it that Mary Ann, one of if not the largest contributor to Mayor O'Neils campaign made her way onto one of these boards. And not just any board, but one of the most powerful in Gonzales, that being the Housing Board.
And how is it that this is the only board that the Mayor is solely responsible for appointing all members of? SECTION 3.07 POWERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL of the Charter for the City of Gonzales states that "(f) Provide for such additional boards and commissions, not otherwise provided for in this charter, as may be deemed necessary, and appoint the members of all such boards and commissions. Such boards and commissions shall have all powers and duties now or hereafter conferred and created by this charter, by city ordinance or by law." It doesn't say that the Mayor has that right, but that the City Council does. So I'd sure like to hear from some legalese as to why and how Mayor O'Neil is doing this appointment without it going through the City Council.
I'd also like to know how there can NOT be a conflict of interest, or inappropriate activities of appointing a major contributor to your campaign to the Housing Commission? I'm at a loss here. Either the mayor considers us, the people of Gonzales stupid, or he just doesn't care any more. Either way isn't a pretty situation.
I'm so sick and tired of the "Good Ole Boys" just doing what ever they want without caring for the problems at hand. Let's scratch each others back is all I hear amongst the elite few as I've called them. What about the average tax paying citizen of Gonzales? What about the average Joe that goes out, makes a living, pays his property tax and his sales tax here locally? When are they going to be taken care of ? I'm not talking about special services or promotions, I'm talking about the city manager, mayor and council doing everything in their powers to make Gonzales the great place it can be! Not just for special interest individuals and groups. To run effectively so that the burden on the individual taxpayer and business that support this town are not burdened any more than necessary.
There is more to this story, and I'm verifying some facts, but I promise this is not the last you'll hear of the Housing Board and appointees.
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Friday, June 4, 2010
Bobby L. Just say "NO"
I went to the city council meeting Tuesday night. It was a packed house, and I'm assuming that for the most part people were interested in what the city was going to do about the horses in our city limits. It was nice to see our citizens in action, and that they are so passionate about an issue.
But the thing that made me laugh more than anything was Bobby Logans performance on 3 different votes. During the discussion he'd made it clear he was against these issues, and that's fine. Your city council person should not always be in line with the rest. There isn't a person up there I agree with 100% of the time.
But what was funny to me was when the mayor call for the vote it went like this, "Mr. Schroeder?" "Aye", "Mr. Schurig" "Aye" "Mr. Hernandez" "Aye" "Mr. Logan" ".....(tapping pencil on the desk)...(squirming to his right)...(tapping some more).......(deep breath)....(more tapping of the pencil)...."aye", "and I too will vote Aye".
These performances by councilman Logan were nothing shy of Oscar performances. His district should be proud.
GIVE ME A BREAK! Just say "NO" If you don't agree with paying the alley, the GEDC appointments, or anything else that has been discussed, just say so! I would have more respect for Mr. Logan if he did.
I give the mayor credit for not making to much of a big deal about it. 2 times he made snide comments about the issue at hand that could of been left off the records, but when it came time to vote he just did it. No scene from Gone With the Wind to go along with it. So while he too could of said "Nay" (the vote issues were already passed by the time they got to Mr. Logan anyway, so his No wouldn't of effected a thing), at least he showed a bit of class.
You know our city council shouldn't be voting 100% one way or another. It makes me worry there is to many behind closed door deals when it happens. So my message to Mr. Logan, grow up and just say "NO" next time!
Kudos to both Tommy and Gary for stepping up this week!! Both of them came prepared for bear, and had to put their foot down to get their points across. I love to see our city councilmen actually prepared to talk about issues, and know the right questions to ask when the city manager tries to squirm out of it. Both need to be called and told what a great job they've done!
Lorenzo should be complimented on not dragging out this GEDC board any longer. If left up to Mr. Logan it would of taken another 2 months to get people appointed. I think Councilman Hernandez had done his job to seek out good candidates that will help Gonzales grow through GEDC. After all they've been vacant since April, how much longer should we expect to wait for these positions to be filled? Keep up the great work Mr. Hernandez!
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
But the thing that made me laugh more than anything was Bobby Logans performance on 3 different votes. During the discussion he'd made it clear he was against these issues, and that's fine. Your city council person should not always be in line with the rest. There isn't a person up there I agree with 100% of the time.
But what was funny to me was when the mayor call for the vote it went like this, "Mr. Schroeder?" "Aye", "Mr. Schurig" "Aye" "Mr. Hernandez" "Aye" "Mr. Logan" ".....(tapping pencil on the desk)...(squirming to his right)...(tapping some more).......(deep breath)....(more tapping of the pencil)...."aye", "and I too will vote Aye".
These performances by councilman Logan were nothing shy of Oscar performances. His district should be proud.
GIVE ME A BREAK! Just say "NO" If you don't agree with paying the alley, the GEDC appointments, or anything else that has been discussed, just say so! I would have more respect for Mr. Logan if he did.
I give the mayor credit for not making to much of a big deal about it. 2 times he made snide comments about the issue at hand that could of been left off the records, but when it came time to vote he just did it. No scene from Gone With the Wind to go along with it. So while he too could of said "Nay" (the vote issues were already passed by the time they got to Mr. Logan anyway, so his No wouldn't of effected a thing), at least he showed a bit of class.
You know our city council shouldn't be voting 100% one way or another. It makes me worry there is to many behind closed door deals when it happens. So my message to Mr. Logan, grow up and just say "NO" next time!
Kudos to both Tommy and Gary for stepping up this week!! Both of them came prepared for bear, and had to put their foot down to get their points across. I love to see our city councilmen actually prepared to talk about issues, and know the right questions to ask when the city manager tries to squirm out of it. Both need to be called and told what a great job they've done!
Lorenzo should be complimented on not dragging out this GEDC board any longer. If left up to Mr. Logan it would of taken another 2 months to get people appointed. I think Councilman Hernandez had done his job to seek out good candidates that will help Gonzales grow through GEDC. After all they've been vacant since April, how much longer should we expect to wait for these positions to be filled? Keep up the great work Mr. Hernandez!
God Bless,
Dennis Nesser
Monday, April 5, 2010
Show me the money!!!
Interesting fact this week. Since our city manager has taken over our city of Gonzales almost 1/2 of our city reserve money has been spent. That's right, over $2,300,000.00+ is GONE! Gonzales, the town of 7,000, has had to dip into their rainy day funds to the tune of over $2,300,000.00+. That's $325+ for every man woman and child in Gonzales. I have a family of 6, that's $2,000 for my family. Hmmmmm, nope, I haven't seen my 2k worth of expenditures. All I see are pot holes everywhere. Look on Ft. Wahl, College, Church just for a start.
So when do you stop the bleeding Gonzales? Why isn't our Mayor and council stopping this bleeding right now? This isn't a case of we didn't raise taxes, so we've had to go through the money. It's a case of we don't want to do what it's going to take to run a balanced budget in the long run. I honestly think it's a case of we don't have a clue of how to stop the spending. I don't think the mayor has ever met a program that cost us money that he didn't like.
If you or I ran our household like this we'd be in bankruptcy court. Guess what? We keep up spending like this the City of Gonzales will also be declaring bankruptcy. You think it would be bad to have to cut back on some services now? Wait till the town has no money what so ever and we have to cut back! This will effect you and I directly.
Want to know how they rate you for interest for loans or bonding if we need to get any? It's based on your spending, and on your ability to repay. I can hear the broker now, "Lets see, you've just spent 5,000,000 and you want another $5,000,000 to replace that? Sure, it will be 21% interest." Who do you think pays that? It's YOU and me!
Ask your councilman where that money is going. He's suppose to be on top of it. Remind him he's running a business here, and right now he's running it into the ground. He needs to change course and right this ship so that we're not in a bind and going to have to shut down the entire city! And oh, by the way, let's not wait another meeting, let's start now! I don't know about you, but I don't have a spare $2,000,000 to pay in taxes. Times are hard for everyone, and that means cities too.
I think our city manager and council would rather keep their head in the sand and ignore the problems then to deal with them. Then WHY ARE YOU SITTING THERE? Move over and let someone who will deal with them take the positions.
I do want to point out there as I have watch the voting in our city council there is consistently one vote against all the spending. Unfortunately that one vote is not enough to sway the city spending. But that is councilman Lorenzo Hernandez. I've watched over the years as the vote has been 3-1 and 4-1 over and over and over again. I've never seen the others vote against the mayor on anything. Wondering if they can think on their own? Would love to hear in this forum what they are thinking about and how they plan on stopping the bleeding. Hear that mayor? Bobby? Gary? I know some of you read these blogs, how about a response and let your constituents know why you are going through our money so fast?
Just more food for thought Gonzales.
On a different note, I will probably repaint the board Wednesday of this week. So weather permitting there will not be anything on the board till Friday morning. But have no fear, I'll be back Friday morning after breakfast, weather permitting. :-)
God Bless
Dennis Nesser
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Term Limits
Gonzales Citizens,
I’ve been a citizen of this town for 15 years now, and have watched as our politics in this town has gotten stale and corrupt. I’ve seen 2 long term politicians be removed from office because of corruption of one sort of another, and with the DA’s mandating that ballots be retained as evidence in an on going investigation, I’m lead to believe there is more to come. I’ve seen senior officials believe they are above the law as they ignore our city charter, and run our budget like your and my money grows on trees.
It seems to me that they get complacent as they sit on their thrones.
I for one am tired of it, and am no longer going to hold my tongue to what I see. I’ve put up my bulletin board on the back of my fence that has lead to many water cooler conversations over the last couple of weeks. On this weeks sign I call for term limits for our mayor and city council.
I'm not exactly sure what it will take to get those limits placed, but I know between now and the next election I plan on making that happen.
I want to see new ideas in this town to make it grow respectfully. I want people from the outside to see us as a gem, not a crooked place. I want some vision, and our city management has to take the blinders off.
Let's take a stand together. If you know how to get something on the ballot here in Gonzales, PLEASE let me know. I don't mind being the point guard here, but I need a starting place. You know that mile starts with a first step type thing.
God Bless
Dennis
Dennis
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